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VERSES AND PARABLES 



VERSES AND PARABLES 

A little Collection 
of fugitive Prose and Verse 

now Arranged and 
Printed for Gift Distribution 

by 
WILLIS E. BLOOMFIELD 




(Eaci) little ra? of ItQl^t 

{^elpis ma&e t^e tnotlli more i)ri(||)t. 



Printed by George Seton Thompson Co. 
M CM XVI 



lU 






/ 

M 26 1916 



5CI.A433493 



"}A^ 



I . 



Copyright 1916, by Willis E. Bloomfield 



NOTE: Permission is hereby granted to 
reprint any part of the text matter of this 
book: PROVIDED; that full and proper 
credit shall be given the author, and that 
such text is accurately reproduced without 
change in wording or punctuation. 



THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED 

TO THE MEMORY OF MY WIFE 

MARGARET CONKLIN BLOOMFIELD 

WHOSE SYMPATHY AND APPRE- 

CIATION HAS BEEN FOR 

YEARS MY STRONGEST 

INSPIRATION 



FOREWORD 

Who has endured pains utmost hell, 
Could he but find fit words to tell 
How even for such all may he well — 
That out of loss we wrest our gain 
And Love is lord of fear and pain — 
He might have helpful word to say 
To others treading lifers hard way. 

Such word I strive herein to speak; 
Yet know that words are all too weak 
To voice our seeing. 'Neath the sun 
The tiny streamlets prattling run. 
Proclaiming loud to all who come 
A shallow fiow: the deeps are dumb; 
No voice is theirs as still they lie 
To whisper of infinity. 



^be iCorb recompensfe ti)p toork, anb a 
full retoarti be giben tbee of tbe Horb (^ob 
of 3£(rael, unbet: toliosfe toingsi tbou basit 

come to tcu£>t. 

Ruth II; 4. 



VERSES AND PARABLES 



OUR TRUST 

Though now our heart is sick with 
grief and yearning, 
And scarred with pain; 
Though joy seems fled, love's fire no 
longer burning. 
And hope but vain ; — 
Yet do we trust that strength will 
spring from sorrow, — 
That pain and strife 
Are but the heralds of a glad 
tomorrow 
Of fuller life. 



^tatktn unto titt boice of mp crp, mp 
iling, anb mp (llob: jfor unto tijee ioill 3 
jprap. iLcab me, TLottt, in ttjp rigbteousf- 
ntii, make tf)p toap £(traigi)t before mp face. 



A PRAYER ' 

Dear God, we pray for light; the 

mists of creed 
Too long have hid thy purpose from 

our sight : 
Teach us to know ourselves and thee 

aright, 
And grant us clearer faith for wider 

need. 
The old creeds fail us now, outworn 

they breed 
Unfaith, and drive us back into the 

night 

1 Written A. D. 1891. See also Prayer and Answer, 
Page 73; and Realization, Page 109. 



^e '^abt ntth ttat one teacf) pnu agatn 
bDi)ict| be tf)e ftrsit principles^ of tlje oraclesf of 
#ob. jFor eberp one tfjat usfetb milfe isf un- 
sibiUfuI in tfje toorb of tigfyttouintii; be is: 
a babe. |@ut s^ttong meat belongetb to tbem 
rtjat are of full age, eben tbosfc tobo bp reason 
of usie babe tbeir itnsti exercis^eb to bisfcern 
botb soob anb ebil. 

HebTeu;s V; 12-14. 



From which we struggle upward 

toward the light: 
Their half truths led us once, now 

they impede. 
We need new bottles for our newer 

wine; 
We need a larger faith to help us live 
A larger life; new knowledge that 

will give 
A lamp to lead us on to the divine: 
So may we climb to where the 

Christ-Man stood 
Alone, our highest type of Love and 

Good. 



Jfor rtjine epcsJ arc upon all Hje toaps! of 
ti)t itm6 of men: to gibe ebetp one according 
to fiia taiapd, anb accorbing to ti)t fruit of 
i)\i boingg. 

Jeremiah XXXII; 19. 



THE PARABLE OF THE 
LITTLE VESSELS 

There was a certain rich man 
which had great possessions: and his 
heart yearned over all the poor and 
needy, insomuch that he desired 
greatly to give them of his treasure. 
And he sent servants throughout the 
land to cry aloud and say that whoso 
would might come and receive freely. 

And many which heard said one 
unto another, Surely this man hath 
not so great riches that he will give 
freely whatsoever we may ask; yet, 
peradventure, he will give to every 



10 



iBtot eberp one rtjat siapctij unto me, 
TLotti, ILoxh, gfjall enter into tfje feingbom of 
jbeaben; but i)e t^at boetf) tfie toill of mp 
jfattjet toljici) isJ in ijeaben. 

Matthew VII; 21. 



n 

man a little. And they said, Verily 
it profiteth not that we should toil 
to the making of many or large 
vessels, for if we ask much we shall 
come away empty. And they 
wrought each man to himself one 
very little vessel, and journeyed to 
the rich man's house. 

And the rich man filled to every 
man his little vessel full to over- 
flowing. And when they beheld that 
there still remained great abun- 
dance they said unto him, Give us 
more, we pray thee. But he an- 
swered and said. Not so; for ye have 
not wherewithal to carry away. And 
they returned every man to his own 
place and their hearts were sore 



12 



Jfot iii{)0£(oeber fjatf), to i}tm £(IiaU be 
giben, anb i}t fiifjaU babe more abunbance. 

Matthew XIII; 12. 



13 

within them; and they reviled him 
that he had promised much and 
bestowed Httle. 

Yet I say unto you that the bounty 
of God is without measure, and that 
he gives freely and without cost to 
every man that which he is able to 
receive. And to him that hath shall 
be given. 



14 



^oto tt)t btrti) ot 3ltini €i)viit toasi on 
ti)i£( tQtsie . . . SFosiepi) toent up from 
^a\i\tt, into tbe titp of Babtb totjict) ii tallth 
^et\)\ti)tm, toiti) iflarp, f)ig toife. 

ilnb jsfo it toag tljat tof)ile tfjcp tocre tfjere, 
sii)e brought fortt) i)ct ftrs^t tiorn £(on, anli 
laib Ijint in a manser bccausie tfjcre toasi no 
room in tfje inn, 

Matthew I; 18: Luke II; 4-7, 



15 



ON CHRISTMAS EVE 

The centuries have rolled away 

Since Gahlee 
Rang with the angel song that hailed 

The Christ to be: 

And I beside my dying fire, 
This Christmas Eve, 

Ponder that wondrous tale which love 
And faith believe. 



And as I muse, the long years fade 
Like shadows fled; 

I seem again a little child 
In fancy led 



16 



^riti t^tvt \Dttt gfjeptjerbsi abibtng in tt)e 
fielb, liceptng toatcl) ober ti)cix flocked bp 
msl)t. 3nb tbe angel ot tbe Ilorb came 
upon tbem, anb iaiit, jFear not: for, bcbolb, 
31 bring pou goob tibingsi of great jop, tobicb 
s^i)all be to all people. Jfor unto pou in 
born tbisi bap a ^abiour, tobitb i^ €1()tiiit 
tlje llorb. 



17 

To far off Bethlehem which sleeps 
'Neath Syrian skies, 

Where cradled in his manger low 
The Christ-child lies. 

I see the shepherds on the hill 

Above the town, 
To whom the angel of the Lord 

In love came down; 

Bearing through widely opened skies, 
That flamed like morn, 

The message, "Joy to all I bring; 
The Christ is born!" 

I see the Wise Men of the East 

Come from afar. 
Seeking the new born King of Men, 

Led by his star; 



18 



^oto toben 3ftini toas! born in Jgetblc- 
fjem, tfjerc came toisie men from tfje easft to 
toorgfjip tim. ^nli, lo, i)ii itat, tofiici) tljcp 
i)ab sieen in tfje eas^t, toent before t^em till 
it came anb sttoob ober bibere tbe cbilb bias, 
^nb tbej> fiabj tbe poung cbilb toitb iWarp, 
bis( motber, anb fell boton, anb toorfibippeb 

bim. 

Matthew II; 1-11. 



19 

I see them lay their costly gifts, 

Of spices rare 
And fragrant myrrh, low at his feet, 

And worship there. 

I see the Virgin Mother, pure. 

Bend from above 
To kiss his brow, her eyes alight 

With wondering love. 

While over all the silent stars 
In peace look down; 

And angels keep safe watch and ward 
O'er David's town. 



Ages have passed away, and faith 
Sometimes grows cold; 



20 



Jfor ottetr Countiation can no man lap 
ti^an tbat is laiti, totitcb is: 3^e6U£( €hnit 

I Corinthians III; 11. 



21 

Men say it is a fairy tale, 
That story old ; — 

I know not ! But upon our hearts 

Its peace yet lies; 
And still we read its words of hope 

With tear dimmed eyes. 

For faith to live we yet must lean 

On Good above; 
And love still finds its highest type 

In Christ's pure love. 



22 



3nti 3tini siaitf) unto ttiem, ^abe faitf) 
in ^ob. jfor bcrilp 3 gap unto pou, tE^ljat 
b)f)Osfoeber s(i)aU £!ap unto tt)i& mountain, $e 
tfjou rcmobcli anb cast into tfje siea; anb gfjall 
not boubt in f)i£f })eart, but £(})all beliebe tbat 
ti)0£(e tbingsi tobicb \)t fi^aitb s^ball come to 
pasig; 1)0 siiiall babe tobatsioeber be £(aitb. 

Mflr;^ X/; 22-5. 



23 



HAVE FAITH IN GOD 

Have faith in God: so spake a still 

small voice. 
When pain doth most assail thee, 

then rejoice. 
For still his love surrounds thee, and 

his hand 
Doth guide : Be still and understand. 

Have faith in God: when fears op- 
press thee sore. 

Fear not; but only trust in him the 
more. 

For still are stretched beneath thee 
and above, 

The everlasting arms of Love. 



24 



5^e ijatf) sljctocb tJjce, man, fcoljat ii 
pob: anb to})at botl) ttje itorb tequtre of tfjee, 
but to bo iuitlp, anb to lobe mtvtp, attb to 
taialii f)umblp toitf) t{)p ^ob. 



_25 

Have faith in God: when dark the 
shadows fall, 

Thou needst to know that he is All 
in All; 

And to his children doth this prom- 
ise give 

In love, ** Ye shall not die, but live!" 

Have faith in God : I heard the mes- 
sage sweet, 

And where he leads I walk with wil- 
ling feet; 

Content and glad to keep his least 
command, 

For now through faith I understand. 



26 



tE^fltfii ii t\)p lot, tiie portion of tfjp 
meafi(ures( from me, ssaitb tf)e Horb; httanit 
ttou i)a£^t forgotten me, anb tru£(teb in fal£(e- 
boob. 

Jeremiah XIII; 25. 



27 



THE PARABLE OF THE 
KING'S SON 

There was a certain child which 
was born to great riches and power 
and dominion: For he was the son of 
a great King and heir to all his 
possessions. 

And it came to pass that evil men, 
which had rebelled against the great 
King and loved him not, enticed the 
child from his father's house, and, 
having led him beyond the borders of 
his kingdom, delivered him into the 
keeping of poor and sinful men that 
he might become even as these. And 



28 



tE^ittse people's; fteart in toaxeb ^otn, anb 
tfietr ears! are tiuU of beating, anb tfytiv tptn 
tdep f)a\}t tloaeh; Itnt at anp time ttep s(I)ouIb 
«ee tnitl) tijeir epesi, anli Jiear toitfj tJjeir earsf, 
anb unber£(tanb toitf) tbeit teart, anb gi)oulb 
turn again, anb 3 £(f)oulb teal tijem. 

Matthew XIII; 15. 



29 

the child was enslaved by cruel task- 
masters, and suffered hunger and 
cold and weariness, and was beaten 
with many stripes. 

And the child grew in years and 
came to manhood. And because of 
his great misery his heart became 
hard within him, and was filled with 
fear and hate and all evil desires; 
so that he was even as those who 
were of his company. For he knew 
not of his birthright, nor of the 
peace and plenty of his father's 
kingdom to which he was heir; but 
because of his ignorance he believed 
that all men were born to evil and 
misery. And he could not be per- 
suaded that it was not so, though 



30 



toe ate tte cbilbren of #ob: anb ii t\)iUixtn, 
ti)en f)titi; fiettsf of <^ob, anb joint i)eiti 
\aiti) Cfjrtsit. 

Romans Fill; 16, 17. 



31 

many messengers from his father's 
kingdom came unto him and declared 
the truth. 

But I say unto you that this one 
was always heir to his father's king- 
dom, and that peace and plenty and 
righteousness always waited for him 
therein, although he knew it not. 
And many there be which are like 
unto him. 



32 



3nti fit knttUh boton, ant) jpra|>eli, sfap- 
ing, ifatfjer, if ti)ou be kDiUing, remobe tbid 
tup from me: nebertbelesese not mp totU» but 
tbine, be bone. 



33 



THY WILL: NOT MINE 

Dear God, long have I trusted erring 
sense 

To search out good, but only found 
despair; 

Now would I lean on thy omnipo- 
tence. 

And shape my life into one ceaseless 
prayer : — 
That I may do thy will ! 

Vain is man's wisdom, and a rope of 

sand 
His unhelped strength, and so I 

stumbled then; — 



34 



9 totll aris(e anb go to mp fatijer, and 
toill s(ap unto tint, Jfatf)er, S Ijabe sftnneti 
againsit fjeaben, anli before tijee, anb am no 
more toortljp to be caUeb tfjp s^on. 

Luke XV; 18, 19. 



35 

But now, at last, I dimly understand 
Thy ways are higher than the ways 
of men : — 
So would I do thy will ! 

I too have sojourned in a far off 

place 
And fed on empty husks, until I 

yearned 
To see again my Father's house and 

face, — 
So am I come, a prodigal returned : — 
Seeking to do thy will! 

Make strong my faith to turn from 

things that seem. 
Unto the better things which do 

appear 



36 



!9nb tofjen tfie Comforter in come tofjom 
9 toiU itnii unto |>ou from tbe Jfatber, eben 
tf)e Spirit of truti), toijicl) proceebeti) from 
tije Jfatber; be s^baU bear toitnes^s^ of me. 

John XV; 26, {Rev. Fer.) 



37 

When we awaken from this fleshly- 
dream, 
And to the still small voice of Truth 
give ear: — 
Striving to do thy will! 

Teach me to know that the dear 
Christ who wrought 

Among the hills of far off Galilee, 

Still gives to all the help that 
faileth not, 

And worketh now thy healing work 
in me: — 
Doing thy perfect will! 



38 



!anb Ije leb tljem forrt) bp tiie rigfjt toap, 
ttat ttiep misljt 50 to a titp o( habitation. 

Psalms CVII; 7. 

3 babe taugbt tbee in tbe toap of biisibom, 
3 babe leb tbee in tigbt patbfif. 

Proverbs IV; 11, 



39 



WE SHALL BE LED 

We shall be led by ways we do not 
know 

Unto the Promised Land which faith 
hath seen, — 

That smiling land where milk and 
honey flow, 

And where still waters are and pas- 
tures green: 

Our fleshly sense would choose amiss, 
and so 

God leadeth us by ways which he 
doth know. 



We shall be led in paths we would 
not choose; 



40 



!Snb b)^en fje toasi bemanbeb of ti^t $i)at- 
isfeesi, koljen tfje fetngbom of 4loli s())ouIb 
tome, })e ansctoeteb ttem anb mib, Vl^f)t 
feingbom of ^ob cometi) not toit}) obsierbatton: 
^eitijer sffjaH rtjep «ap, 3to fjerel or, lo 
tijere; for, iiefiolb, tlje fiingbom of #ob ii 
koittin poQ. 

Zi^y^^ XF//; 20, 21. 



41 

And pillared cloud and fire by day 

and night 
Shall go before us (lest the way we 

lose) 
Until that Peaceful Land dawns on 

our sight: 
Though erring human sense would 

fain refuse, 
God leadeth us in paths which he 

doth choose. 

We shall be led, — what matter how 

or where ? 
That Heavenly Kingdom unto which 

we yearn 
We shall not find far off, and say, 

"Lo there!" 



42 



Jfor an manp an are leli bp tiie Spirit 
of &ot, tfiep are tfje sitmi of <2loIi. 



43 

It builds within us when to God we 

turn: 
If we but lean on him and trust his 

care, 
Our opened eyes shall see Heaven 

everywhere. 



44 



tE^lb^p kno\n noU nettfjer txtill tt)tp untier- 
sitantt; ttep Uialk tn tiarbnes^s: all tlje founlia- 
tioni of tte eartf) are out of coursie. 

Psalms LXXXII; 5. 



45 



THE PARABLE OF THE 
DARKENED HOUSE 

There was a certain man which 
had dwelt from his birth in a house 
which his forefathers had builded. 
And, forasmuch as these had not 
loved the Hght of day because it 
made plain their shortcomings, this 
house was cunningly contrived so 
that the light might not enter there- 
in, but it was illumined only by 
candles whose feeble light these men 
had greatly admired. 

And it was so that this man, for- 
asmuch as he had lived always in 



46 



t!r})e fool toalfeeti) in barikne£i£(: all f)ii 
bap£i alsio iit eatetb in barknes^ci; anb fae 
ii&tf) mucfi sfortob) anb toratf): f\t bepartetl) 
in barbnefii£(, anb i)i£i name siijall be cobereb 
\ai\tl) baclinesiii. 

Ecclesiastes II; 14: V; 17: VI; 4. 



47 

that darkened house and had never 
gone forth therefrom, knew not that 
there was any greater or better 
light than that which shone forth 
from his dim candies. So was he 
altogether contented with the dim 
light and shadows of his darkened 
house, and sought not for the perfect 
light by which wiser men walked. 

And it came to pass when the man 
was old, so that his eyes were dim 
and he stumbled and walked astray 
in the deceptive light of his dark- 
ened house, that there came unto 
him one which had compassion on 
his unhappiness. And this one said 
unto him. Open, I pray thee, the 
shuttered windows and cunningly 



48 



tS^akt f}tth therefore t^at ii)e ltgi)t tDijtdj) 
is! in tifee ht not hatkntsi, 

Luke XI; 35. 



49 

contrived doors of this thy house 
that the Hght of day may enter 
therein and thou mayst see clearly. 

But he scorned this good counsel 
and would not be persuaded; for he 
said, Verily I will not open, for there 
is no light that is better or greater 
than the light of these my candles 
by which I have always walked, and 
outside of this my house there is 
only darkness. 

And I say unto you that there be 
many men which live in darkened 
houses of consciousness and which 
because of pride and ignorance are 
satisfied with darkness rather than 
light. 



50 



^nb \jaf)oiot\ier sifiaU gitie to trink unto 
one of ttjesfe little one£( a cup of colb toater 
onlp, berilp 3 £(ap unto pou, be ssfiall in no 
toisie lofiie f)isi retoatli. 

Matthew X; 42. 



51 



IT WAS ONLY . . . 

It was only a sunny smile 
And little it cost in the giving, 
But it scattered the night 
Like morning light 
And made the day worth living. 
Through life's dull warp a web it 

wove 
In shining colors of hope and love; 
And the angels smiled as they 
watched above: 
Yet little it cost in the giving. 

It was only a kindly word, 
A word that was lightly spoken; 



52 



3lt ii not tfje totU ot pour Jfatijec totjicf) 
ii in })eaben, tfiat one of tt)tit little oneis 
fliioulb pttisif). 

Matthew XFIII; 14. 



S3 

Yet not in vain, 
For it stilled the pain 
Of a heart that was nearly broken: 
It strengthened a faith beset by 

fears, 
And groping blindly through mists 

of tears 
For light to brighten the coming 
years; 
Although it was lightly spoken. 

It was only a helping hand, 
And it seemed of little availing; 
But its clasp was warm, 
And it saved from harm 
A brother whose strength was failing. 
Its touch was tender as angel 
wings, 



54 



JSitisitti are tte menitui: for ^tp sitall 
obtain mercp. 

Matthew V; 7. 



55 

But it rolled the stone from the 

hidden springs, 
And pointed the way to higher 

things : 
Though it seemed of little availing. 

A smile, a word, a friendly hand ; 
How easily each is given ! 
Yet it may win 
A soul from sin, 
Or smooth the way to heaven. 
A smile may cheer the failing heart ; 
A word may soften pain's keenest 

smart; 
A touch may lead us from sin 
apart : 
And each is so easily given. 



56 



<^r bapg on ti)e earti) are an a sifiabotD, 
anb ttete is: none abibing. 

Chronicles XXIX; 15. 

3 mus(t tootfe tf)e toorlks: of i)im tijat s^ent 
me, to))iIe it \si bap: tte nigtt cometf) taiien 
no man can tootb. 

John IX; 4. 



57 



THE LONG DAY'S CLOSE 

**The long day draweth to a close/' 

Yet ere its end 
We still have time to pluck a rose 

To give a friend. 

There yet is time, ere drops the sun 

Below the west, 
To speak a cheering word to one 

By fear opprest ; — 

Time still for many a little deed 

Of kindliness, 
To help our brothers in their need; 

Or soothe and bless. 



58 



l^e tfiat taDill act gooti baps(» let i)im 

e{(cl)ett) ebtl, anb tio gooti: . . ifor sio i£ 

tbe tt)tU of (@o2i» tbat faaitb toell botng pe map 

put to sttleme t^e ignorance of ioolisifi men. 

/ P^f^r ///; 10, 11: II; 15. 



59 

'T will seem perhaps we cannot spare 
From our own woe 

Time to relieve another's care: 
Believe not so! 

We who have suffered should be 
To rise above [strong 

Our pain and grief; to sing a song, 
To work, to love ; — 

That whoso falters on Life's road 
May see and hear. 

And bear his seeming heavy load 
With freshened cheer. 

• ••••••••• • • 

So may our day draw to its close; 

Life's sunset gun 
Calling us to well earned repose. 

And God's "Well done!" 



60 



USear pe one anottiec'si burtiensi anb sfo 
fulfil tte laU) of Cfirtsit. 

Galatians VI; 2. 



61 



THE LAW OF SERVICE 

"The fields are white for harvest 
But the laborers are few," 
So spake our Lord in GaHlee, 
And still the words are true ; — 
About you in Life's waiting fields 
There's work for you to do. 

The world still groans in bondage, 
Its ransom must be bought 
With untold wealth of loving deeds 
Inspired by loving thought; — 
And that which you can do to help 
Is waiting to be wrought. 

Your own load may seem heavy 
And more than you can bear. 



62 



shaping, ?Lorti, toijen siato taoe tf)ee an l^un- 
greb, anb fell t^ee, or ti)\Titp, anb gabe t})ee 
btinb? iSnb tf)e lltng £(1)^11 ansftner anb 
s;ap unto ttem, 3inasimu(|) asi pe })abe bone tt 
unto one ot tfje leai^t of tijesie mp btetijren, 
pe })abe bone it unto me. 

Matthew XXF; 37, 40. 



63 

So that for others' burdens 
You have no strength to spare; — 
But your own load will lighter grow 
When you another's share. 

The good we do to others 
Our own good best assures, 
The cup of water given in love 
A sure reward secures; — 
Carry your brother's burdens, 
And God will carry yours! 



64 



^\)iii in ti)e itont ioWh toaii iet at 
ttaugi)t ot pou builbersi, tobicb i^ become tfie 
fjeab of ti)e corner. 

Jets IF; 11. 



65 



THE PARABLE OF THE 
REJECTED STONE 

There was a certain large stone 
which lay in a field. And the out- 
ward appearance thereof was rough 
and shapeless, and altogether un- 
lovely, and defiled with the dust of 
the earth. 

And many passed that way and 
looked upon the stone. And it was 
to them an offense and a block of 
stumbling; and they marvelled 
greatly that the owner of the field 
suffered it to cumber the ground, 
and commanded not his laborers that 



66 



M a man nay, S lobe <@oli, anb ijatetii 
f)t£( ticotijer, be i{( a Itar: tor l)t tfjat lobetf) 
not f)i£( brotijer totiom {je fjati) £(een, boto can 
lie lobe 4loli totom ()e tjattj not sseen? 



67 

they should break it in pieces and 
destroy it utterly, that he might 
grow good fruit in the place thereof. 
And they cursed it, and spat upon 
it, and defiled it the more, and went 
their way. 

And at last there came also a 
certain man which was a workman in 
the service of the King and had 
gained much understanding. And 
when this one looked upon the stone 
he saw not as the many, but rather 
he saw that which was altogether 
perfect and lovely. And his heart 
yearned that all men should see 
even as he had seen. 

And he stooped down and removed 
the earth and the stains which de- 



68 



^e tiiat iiatetf) \)ii brotijer tsi in bark- 
tie£is!» anb toalbett) in hatknt^i, anb knotoetl) 
not tD^itiier i^t goetf), becausie tf^at barknesist 
ibatl) blinbeb f)iii t^t^, 

I John II; 11. 



69 

filed it, and he took hammer and 
chisel and wrought with dihgence 
and understanding to cut away all 
that belonged not to the perfect 
reality which it had been given him 
to see. And when he had made it 
manifest to the sight of all men, 
the many came again and beheld, 
and were greatly astonished. 

And they said unto him. Thou 
hast indeed created a beautiful and 
perfect thing. And he answered and 
said unto them. Not so; for I added 
no least jot or tittle to that which ye 
despised and reviled because ye saw 
not the reality thereof; and I took 
away but that which hid it from your 
sight. And they knew in their 



70 



tEijijs in mp ccmmanbment, tfjat j»e lobe 
one anotiier, as; ^ i)a\it lobeb pou. 

John XF; 12. 



71 

hearts that it was even as he had 
said. 

And I say unto you that the 
stone which was rejected and de- 
spised of many is like unto thy 
brother, which thou condemneth 
because of the evil seeming that 
hideth him from thy sight and which 
yet is no part of him. 



72 



Si)Ou fi\}a\t makt ti^p praper unto titn, 
anb i)e sttall t^ar tf)ee. 

/o^> XZ7/; 27. 



73 



PRAYER AND ANSWERS 

I prayed for light through dark and 

barren years 
And found it not; yet knew that 

Hght must be, — 
Else Christ had vainly wrought in 

Galilee 
To save a world from all its pains 

and fears, — 
And so prayed on. "It must be 

that God hears," 
I said, and strained my weary eyes 

to see 

1 Written A. D. , 1912. See also A Prayer, Page 5; 
and Realization, Page 109. 



74 



^t asife anb pt reteibe not, bccausie pe 
a£(& amiii, tfiat pe map consfume it upon 
pour lU£(t£(* 

James IF; 3. 



75 

His hand roll back the clouds that 
compassed me. . 

At last, a still voice sounded in my 
ears: 

"He prays amiss who pleads for un- 
earned good, 

And none may see the Light Supernal 
shine 

Save as his life reflects the Life 
Divine. 

Through good alone is Goodness un- 
derstood. 

Follow the Christ who showed the 
only way; 

So shall thine eyes behold Love's 
Perfect Day." 



1(> 



IBe^oIb S ^atie %ti before tfjee an open 
liooi: anb no man can %\^vX \i. 

Revelations III; 8. 



n 



THE OPEN DOOR 

Like one who wanders in fell dark- 
ness vast, 

I trod the paths of pain and all un- 
rest 

For weary, weary years, and came 
at last 

To dream that death of all things 
was the best: 

When, lo! I came unto an open door 
Piercing the walls that shut my 

vision in, — 
Which, surely, I had never seen 

before 



78 



i^oto ii come sialbatton, anb sitrenstf), 
anb tije feingbom of our <@ob, anb t{)e potoer 
ot })is( Cbtisit. 

Revelations XII; 10. 



79 



Because my eyes were dimmed by 
fear and sin; — 



And through that door Love led my 

stumbUng feet 
To where the dawn still broadens 

into day, 
And life becomes more sure and glad 

and sweet 
Each passing hour, for Love still 

leads the way. 



Christ opened wide that door for all 

who lie 
Thralled in the prison-house of sin 

and pain; 
But in their blindness men had 

passed it by. 



80 



^t ti)at obercometi) sff^all tnberit all 
fiiinqi; anb 3 toiU tie l)\6 ^oib, anb ^t siijall 
be mp sion. 

Revelations XXI; 7. 



81 

Or seeking not aright had sought in 
vain, — 

Had not one selfless seeker for the 

Mind 
Which was in Jesus lifted up anew 
The lamp of Truth whereby all men 

may find 
That door to peace, and finding it 

pass through. 



Glory to God who set that door for 

all! 
Homage to Christ who opened it for 

aye! 
And love to her who heard the 

Master's call 
To do his work and show anew the 

Way! 



82 



€ntet pt in at ti)t sitcait gate; becau£ie 
sittsiit in t})e gate, anli nacrotii ii t\}t taiap, 
toWb leatieti) unto life. 

Matthew VII; 13-14. 



83 



THE PARABLE OF THE 
MAN WHICH JOURNEYED 

A certain man set out to journey 
to a far city wherein he desired 
greatly to abide : and the way thereto 
lay over high mountains where the 
path was strait and narrow. 

And for a time he walked with 
exceeding care and diligence; look- 
ing neither to the right hand nor 
the left hand, but always straight 
before him, lest he should stumble 
and fall. And his feet slipped not, 
though the way was rough and steep 
and danger lay on either hand. And 



84 



anb tf)P teet cibaU not s^tumble. 

Proverbs III; 23. 



85 

each day brought him nearer to the 
city of his heart's desire. 

And when he had journeyed pros- 
perously for many days, it came to 
pass that for a moment he forebore 
to walk with care, and turned his 
eyes from that which lay before him. 
And straightway his feet stumbled 
from the narrow path, and he fell 
headlong down a steep declivity, and 
was sore bruised and wounded. 

And I say unto you that whoso 
journeyeth the Way of Life that 
leads to the City of Peace must 
needs walk straitly; turning neither 
to the right hand nor the left hand, 
lest he stumble and fall : for the way 
thereto is also strait and narrow. 



86 



^t sibetl) f)ii belobeti sileep. 

Psalms CXXVII; 2. 



87 



HE GIVETH SLEEP 

"He giveth his beloved sleep." 
From the day's toil, and all its 

tangled skein 
Of seeming loss and grief and fear 

and pain, 
Who trust him do not seek surcease 
in vain. 
He dries the tears of all who weep, 
And gives to his beloved sleep. 

" He giveth his beloved sleep." 
When we have labored all the long 

day through 
He gives us rest and does our 

strength renew, — 



88 



3 \DiU botf) Ia|> me boton in peace anb 
ilttp: for tf)m, ILoth, onip makecet me btoell 
in siafetp. 

Psalms IF; 8. 



89 

Then wakens us a new day's task to 
do. 
Each morn we rise to sow and reap ; 
Each eventide he gives us sleep. 

"He giveth his beloved sleep." 
Because our faith is weak, our cour- 
age small, 
He so doth ease our burdens, lest we 

fall 
Toil spent, and fail to reach the goal 
at all. 
All day we climb life's pathway 

steep. 
But when night comes he gives us 
sleep. 

"He giveth his beloved sleep." 
Oft-times we falter and are fain to 
stray; 



90 



i^one sffjaH be toearp nor stumble among 
tijem; none jifjall jslumber or jflecp. 

Isaiah V; 25. 



91 

But still he keeps our feet in the 

right way 
And leads us safely home at close of 
day: 
Then, as a shepherd folds his sheep, 
He folds us safe and gives us sleep. 

*'He giveth his beloved sleep." 
His tender love, that spares the 

bruised reed, 
Grants such dear boon to our poor 

human need, — 
Till we have grown to Truth and 
Life indeed; 
And, having learned his laws to 

keep, 
Awake in him no more to sleep. 



92 



tKijijf a life eternal tfjat tfjep migljt 
iinotD tiiee t^e onlp ttue (@ob, anb ^ft^uti 
€f)viit, b)i)om tf)ou t)afi!t stent. 

John XVII; 3. 



93 



LIFE ETERNAL 

Mortality is but a transient seeming 
Which some day shall be swallowed 
up in life, — 
When we awake from dreaming 
Of matter, pain, and strife ; 
And grow into sure consciousness 
That Being in its perfectness 
Is knowledge of the Principle of 
Love 
In which we live and move. 

There is no death, for all that seems 

to perish 
Has never lived, and is not known 

of God. 



94 



M tf)e Spirit o! i)\m tfiat ratsieb up Sftsini 
from tt)e beab btatieU in pou, lie tfiat ratsieb 
up Ci)tifiit fe£(U£( from tbe beab ^tjaH gibe 
life alsio to pour mortal bobies^ tijrougf) i^ii 
Spirit ti)at btoelleti) in pou. 

Romans Fill; 2, {Rev. Ver.) 



95 

This seeming life we cherish 
Is kindred to the clod, 
And must return to dust from which 

it sprang: 
But ere the morning stars together 

sang 
Man was — and must for evermore 
exist; 
Else God were unexpressed. 

God is our Life, and so we cannot be 
The thralls of Death, and subject to 

Decay: 
Only our sense of death can pass 

away, 
Our life abides in God through all 

eternity. 
Mortality awhile may hide the light ; 



96 



iSelobeb, noto are toe t^t iona of <{lob, 
anb it botf) not |>et appear totat toe s;f)aU be: 
but toe fenoto tijat toe ti\)a\\ be Ube bini, for 
toe siball s(ee !)im a£i b^ tsi. 

7 /oAn ///; 2. 



97 

Or erring sense the perfect vision 
dim; 

But we were fashioned by the In- 
finite, 

And some day we shall know, and be 
like him. 



98 



lieatf)^ toljere ii ttp siting? grabe, 
totiere ii thp btctorp? 

/ Corinthians XV; 55. 

Jfor tfje lato of tfje Spirit of life in 
Cftrifit Sfegusf Jjatfj malie mc free from ttje 
lata of gin anb lieatf). 

Romans VIII; 2. 



99 



THERE IS NO DEATH 

Even as a little child, with simple 

prayer, 
Lies down to sleep, content, when 

daylight dies; 
Knowing the dawn will greet his 

waking eyes. 
And a new day new joys for him pre- 
pare : — 
So may we, trustful of our Father's 

care. 
Lie down, serene, knowing we shall 

arise 
To greet a fairer dawn with brighter 

skies. 



100 



V^fitn s^baH be btouslbt to pan t^t s(ap- 
ins tl)at is( toritten, Beatb t0 sttoallotoeli op 
in bictorp. 

/ Corinthians XV; 54. 



101 

And keep our way up Life*s eternal 

stair. 
We need not fear to follow where 

Christ led, 
Or to commit our ways unto God's 

will; 
Surely his hand will guide and guard 

us still, 
And, there as here, his love supply 

our needs. 
God is our Life, and he will not 

withdraw 
The life he gave, nor change his 

changeless law. 



102 



^nb <@ob sfaib, ILtt ua ma'kt man in our 
image, after our Ufecncgfi: anb let J}im i)abc 
bominion. ^o <^ob createb man in f)ii obin 
image. 

Genesis I; 26, 27. 

TLti yxsi tijerefore casit off all tfje toorfesf 
of barkne£(g, anb let usi put on tlje armour 

of ligi)t. 

Romans XIII; 12. 



103 



THE PARABLE OF 
THE LAKE WHICH MIRRORED 
HEAVEN 

There was a certain beautiful lake 
which lay far from the cities of men, 
in the still forest solitudes. And 
the soft summer air above it rippled 
not its shining surface which was 
like unto a mirror, reflecting per- 
fectly the blue vault of heaven and 
all the fleecy clouds that floated 
there. 

But it came to pass that an icy 
wind stole through the forest from 
the far fens and marshes which lay 



104 



^alke unto pou ti^t toljole armour of 
^ob, ti)at 2>e map tie able to tDtt^fiitanb in 
tf)t ebtl bap, anb flatting bone ail, to sitanb. 

Ephesians VI; 13. 



105 

beyond; and blew upon the lake so 
that its surface became troubled 
and lashed into waves. And im- 
mediately the similitude of the blue 
sky and fleecy clouds which had ap- 
peared in its still depths was shat- 
tered into countless fragments so 
distorted from reality that none 
could believe them the reflection of 
the summer heavens: but would 
have judged them rather to be the 
flying shadows of weird and terrible 
creatures of evil. 

And like unto this lake is man; 
which, when he looks steadfastly 
above, and is not troubled by evil 
thoughts or desires, reflects only that 
which is good and perfect : but when 



106 



^tanb tfjerefore, fjabing pour loini girt 
about toitl) truti), anb tjabtng on tbe breast- 
plate ot rig!)teou£(nes(s!; . . iHbobe all, 
taking tije sJfjielb of faitlj, toijeretoitJ) pe gfjall 
be able to quencf) all tfje fierp bartsJ ot tbe 
toicfeeb. 

Ephesians VI; 14, 16. 



107 

the winds of error blow upon him, 
and he is troubled thereby, reflects 
only distorted and writhing shapes 
of evil seeming. 

So doth it concern us greatly that 
we should guard ourselves with ex- 
ceeding care against all the winds of 
error; that we may reflect only the 
perfect will and attributes of our 
Father which is in Heaven. 



108 



in praper, belicbing, pe sifjall receive. 

Matthew XXI; 22. 



109 



REALIZATION » 

Dear God, the light is come, our 
outworn creeds 

Drop from us as a garment, and our 
sight 

Grows clear to see ourselves and 
thee aright; 

We trust thy love to meet our ut- 
most needs. 

And know thy hand sustains us. 
The foul breeds 

Of nameless doubts and fears that 
thronged the night, 

1 Written A. D., 1916. See also A Prayer, Page 
5; and Prayer and Answer, Page 73. 



110 



<^ ti)ou ti)at fftattsit pva^tt, unto tiiee 
sif)aU all ataf) tome. 



111 

Like phantoms disappear in Truth's 

clear light; 
Self only, now our upward way 

impedes : 
For thou hast given new bottles for 

Truth's wine; — 
Hast given a larger faith to help us 

live 
A larger life; new knowledge that 

will give 
A lamp to lead us on to the divine: 
And though our feet may falter in 

the way, 
Yet shall our eyes behold Love's 

Perfect Day. 



I hold it truth with him who sings 
To one clear harp in divers tones, 
That men may rise on stepping stones 
Of their dead selves to higher things. 
Lord Tennyson. 



AFTERWORD 

So have I written. Now I lay 

My fen aside, and ** Finished" say! 

For me, I count this work all gain; 
Born of a faith men said was vain. 
It helped me vanquish fear of pain: 
Now I am moved to send it forth. 
With hope that others may find worth 
In it. I know it cannot he 
To them what it has been to me; 
Yet it may shed one little ray 
Of light upon some traveler's way. 

Enough, if it contains one word 
In which the voice of Truth is heard 
By one, enveloped yet by night. 
Who yearns to glimpse the morning 
light! 



